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MIKE RUTSEY, QMI Agency

Jul 19, 2011

, Last Updated: 7:32 PM ET

Jose Bautista was back in the Blue Jays lineup Tuesday night, marking his first return to action since he sprained his right ankle while sliding into third base in the fourth inning of Thursday’s game against the New York Yankees. Bautista, though, wasn’t at his customary third base but was the DH, the Jays not wanting to push the envelope by having him tweak the ankle again while making a defensive play.

Following a series of running drills, the Jays gave Bautista the go-ahead to play.

“The biggest thing was when he turned on the basepaths and when he was able to decelerate with no issues,” manager John Farrell said.

It may be a game or two before he returns to third base.

“If you asked him he’d probably say he could play third base tonight,” Farrell said. “We’ll take this day-by-day. We’ll get him back at third base in due time.”

With Bautista as the DH, Edwin Encarnacion remained at third. Over his past four games, Encarnacion has gone 6-for-13 (.462).

CASEY RETURNS

While Bautista returned to the lineup, right-handed reliever Casey Janssen returned from a month on the disabled list (June 17) due to a strained right forearm. Making room for Janssen on the Jays was left-hander Luis Perez who was optioned to triple-A Las Vegas.

“I’m ready to go,” he said.

Janssen said he wasn’t worrying about what would happen once he got his health back, whether he’d return to the Jays or be optioned to Las Vegas.

“You try not to worry about that stuff,” he said. “Hopefully your ability will get you back at some point if not initially.”

Prior to his injury Janssen was one of the Jays more consistent performers. In 28 appearances, 27 2/3 innings, he allowed 25 hits, walked eight, struck out 25 and held the opposition to a .238 average. This season he has also been effective against left-handers, holding them to a .200 average (12-for-60). He has also allowed just three of 12 inherited runners to score.